PhD position, riparian forest biodiversity and microclimate

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
January 21, 2025
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Working Time:Full time
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Department of Forest Ecology and Management

Do you want to contribute to the future sustainable use of forests? Apply to join the WIFORCE Research School! Biodiversity and the role of forests in climate change are now key social issues that require more knowledge. In order to sustainably use forests while safeguarding biodiversity, a coherent basic science research program is needed that addresses large and complex issues and develops new analytical tools. Therefore, the WIFORCE Research School, part of the Wallenberg Initiatives in Forest Research (https: // www. slu.se/en/wiforce ) , was created.

This PhD position is available at the Department of Forest Ecology and Management at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SLU. SLU has an international character both in terms of research and teaching. The department includes about 115 people of which 9 are professors. Our mission is to advance the understanding of forest ecosystems and how these should be managed today and in the future. For more information: https:// www. slu.se/en/departments/forest-ecology-management/

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at https: // www. slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/

Name of research project/thesis

BIOCLIMR – Linking BIOdiversity, microCLIMate and habitat heterogeneity of managed Riparian forests

Research subject

Forest Management

Description:

We invite applications for a fully funded PhD position focused on exploring the interactions between biodiversity, microclimate, and habitat heterogeneity in riparian forests within managed landscapes in Sweden. BIOCLIMR will examine how forest management affects biodiversity and microclimate in riparian zones, i.e., key ecological corridors that support unique plant and animal communities. By studying these interactions, the research aims to inform sustainable forest management practices and enhance biodiversity conservation.

The PhD candidate will be involved in both observational and experimental studies.

They will:

  • Assess how riparian biodiversity and microclimate relate to habitat complexity using existing high-resolution data from 20 mature riparian forest sites in Västerbotten, Dalarna, and Örebro counties.
  • Evaluate the impact of various management actions on riparian biodiversity and microclimate, testing methods that mimic natural disturbance, such as selective logging and gap creation.
  • Develop and apply remote-sensing and ground-based tools, including drones, terrestrial LiDAR, and environmental sensors, to monitor biodiversity and habitat structure at multiple spatial scales.
  • Additionally, the successful candidate will join a diverse research team with world leading expertise in forest and aquatic ecology, environmental monitoring, and remote sensing. They will have access to unique, large-scale experimental setups, ample field and laboratory resources, and opportunities for professional development and networking within and outside academia. The position includes a competitive salary and full benefits – including parental leave (>1 year).

    Qualifications:

    The candidate must have:

  • A Master's degree in ecology, forestry, environmental science, or a related field, or at least 240 credits, of which a minimum of 60 credits are from second-cycle courses;
  • Fullfilled English language requirements: For students from Swedish upper secondary schools, this is English B/English 6. Alternatively, applicants must hold an internationally recognized English language qualification (TOEFL, IELTS, and Cambridge ESOL). More information is available on universityadmissions.se.);
  • A valid driver's license
  • The possibility to do extensive field work in remote locations. The position is based in Umeå, Sweden, but there is a requirement that the student will be able to travel and be away from Umeå for up to one month at a time doing field work in middle/southern Sweden and potentially other locations (> 8 hours drive from Umeå).
  • Other meriting qualifications are:

  • Strong quantitative skills, with experience in statistical modeling or spatial data analysis in R and/or python.
  • Familiarity with biodiversity assessments, forest ecology, or remote sensing.
  • Ability to work both independently and in collaborative teams.
  • Field work experience
  • A passion for science and a positive attitude
  • Place of work:

    Umeå

    Forms for funding or employment:

    Employment as a PhD student, full time for 4 years

    Starting date:

    According to agreement, but May or June 2025 preferred

    Application:

    Click the “Apply” button to submit your application. The deadline is 2025-01-21.

    The application should be written in English and include the following:

  • CV
  • Cover letter describing yourself and your motivation for applying for this position
  • Short (max one page) description of your scientific background, research interests and your match to the above mentioned qualifications
  • Copies of graduation degrees, or equivalent, as well as other relevant certificates, e.g. English-language certificate if you did not do your previous studies in Sweden or in a native English speaking country (see here for more information on what is acceptable)
  • Name and contact information of two professional references.
  • To qualify for third-cycle (Doctoral) courses and study programmes, you must have a second-cycle (Master's) qualification. Alternatively, you must have conducted a minimum of four years of full-time study, of which a minimum of one year at second-cycle level.

    Applicants will be selected based on their written application and CV, degree project, copies of their degree certificate and transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution, two personal references, and knowledge of English. More information about the English language requirements can be found here: https: // www. slu.se/en/education/programmes-courses/doctoral- studies/application-admission-doctoral-studies/

    Please note that applicants invited to interview must submit attested copies of their degree certificate, or equivalent, a transcript of records from previous first and second-cycle studies at a university or higher education institution. Applicants who are not Swedish citizens need to submit an attested copy of their passport's information page containing their photograph and personal details.

    Read about the PhD education at SLU at www. slu.se/en/education/programmes- courses/doctoral-studies/

    Academic union representatives:

    https: // internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner- vid-rekrytering/

    The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction between humans, animals and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests and teaching sites throughout Sweden.

    SLU has around 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 3 billion. We are investing in attractive environments on all of our campuses. We strive to provide a work environment characterised by inclusivity and gender equality, where different experiences generate conversations between people and pave the way for science, creativity and development. Therefore, we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

    Contact person

    Eliza Maher Hasselquist

    [email protected]

    Lenka Kuglerova

    [email protected]

    Jonas Bohlin

    [email protected]

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